The Plague and Next week
April 25, 2006 by Melissa · 5 Comments
Well, folks, I have been bad. Not really, but sorta. First, I battled with the stomach flu for a few days, which was complicated by a migraine and allergy attack. yeah, I am an overachiever. It pushed me so far behind in work, I am now playing double time, without a whole lot of energy, to get my book done and turned in.
But, I have been remiss with my fellow writers at Your Virtual Book Bag. So, what I plan on is a week of highlighting their work next week on my blog, right here. For those of you who leave me comments, you get your name in the pot for free downloads of any of my books and one person will get a free print copy of Voices Carry. I want to know what ones you all have read, what you think of them. So, I would love to see you all here, chatting away on the comments:) It is sort of my get ready for RT party:)
Voices Carry in Print
April 19, 2006 by Melissa · 2 Comments
Finally, the Federation books are in print and on sale at all online bookstores. It includes Voices Carry, Lost in Emotion, and Hard Habit to Break. Here is a little blurb:
A Federation under siege. A Counter-Terrorism Department overworked. Paranormal abilities outlawed. But when no one suspects what you can do, criminal Voices Carry. Called by lust and longing, three telempaths risk their lives to put their skills to work for the Federation Counter-Terrorism Department.
It includes, Voices Carry, Lost in Emotion, and Hard Habit to Break. On sale at Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Books a Million.
Sea World and Changing Tactics
April 17, 2006 by Melissa · Leave a Comment
So, we did our yearly visit to Sea World. Active Duty military get four free tickets a year to go, and since we live less than an hour away, it seems silly not to indulge. It was a fun day out, busy as all the schools were out on Friday, but fun nonetheless. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait in line as they came through asking for military and then let us in another gate. So, the girls were very happy about that, lol.
We skipped Shamu this time and hit the Dolphin thing they have, but most of it was acrobatics and water ballet. Pretty cool.
Changing tactics, well this is doing with my genre. I am not going to be able to write erotic romance for NY so I am going more for sensual romance. The new lines are never going to accept me as I write, and I am not going to add sex scenes in just for sex. To this day I have never written a love scene except for when it would move the story along. Each scene I write is very important, moving the hero and heroine to their ultimate goal, and that includes the love scenes. Most of the is for their emotional growth as a couple but also individually. Especially something like my book A Little Harmless Pleasure. So much of that was about Cynthia accepting herself for herself. But, alas, there is no sexual intercourse in the first two chapters, lots of tension though. Which, to me, is just as important as the act itself. And since the new lines are not looking for my voice, it is either move on or quit writing. And I really don’t want to quit.
So, my immortal series will be sensual, not erotic. That is okay by me, although I hate to leave erotic romance behind for print. But, when I asked one editor, she couldn’t or I guess wouldn’t give me a reason why she didn’t want my work and when asked what they are looking for, she just told me to keep trying. I don’t work well with vague generalities, ask my husband and the USAF. They’ve had to deal with me for years. So, it is on to my immortal series which will be under wraps until I finish it. And, I am working between projects for ebooks and POD. I just added another publisher, more details soon, and I will probably write a few things new for them also. But my releases are going to get longer in length and I will have less of them. Ebooks have given me a voice and really helped me become a much better writer. I will probably always write them, but I would like to move to NY at some point. More exposure and let’s face it, more potential for money(although that is not always the case 
and I know that I am making more money than some multipublished NY authors). But I won’t sell out myself or my work just to fit in. Maybe I am being a bit pigheaded, but oh well. I’m the one who has to live with my decision, and that is more important.
Off to work right now:) And, sadly, this man was not part of the viewing at Sea World.
Ten Days
April 14, 2006 by Melissa · Leave a Comment
Well, since I have been cutting time on writing because of my back, I’ve been getting to see some TV. Granted, I am still in mourning over Arrested Development being cancelled, but I did find something on the History Channel the other night. They are showing documentaries about 10 days that changed the world and amazingly enough, flipping through the channels I found it. Amazing because it covered the Homestead Steel Workers Strike in the latter part of the 1800’s. The course of the labor movement was stalled after that disaster. But, it caught my attention because my parents grew up in the Homestead area. I even still have relatives there, and both of my Grandfathers worked in the Mills, along with a few uncles and second cousins.
I don’t ever remember seeing the mills. I think a lot of them are gone now. Although they were working when I was younger, last time was in Pittsburgh, the only thing going was the Coca Cola bottling company. Odd to see that, knowing that both sides of my family had worked in that mill. And, because of the life of a steel mill worker, my father entered the military to avoid it. So I guess in a way, the mill did have a direct impact on my life. I hear they have a museum down there now and I really would like to visit sometime.
Off for a family day today, then back to work. Everyone have a safe weekend!
Multicultural Romance: What does it mean to you?
April 10, 2006 by Melissa · 2 Comments
Okay, so another rant is coming on. I knew you all are surprised. As I was talking with some other authors a few weeks ago, we all agreed that there is a misconception by some companies what multicultural romance is. Or maybe we, many of us avid readers, are confused. To me, multicultural means there are people in the book of color, whether it is interracial or not. But apparently, that isn’t the case in much of the publishing world.
First, let me give you a bit of background on me. Many of you know I am a military brat. I lead a pretty sheltered life during much of my childhood. See, in the military, there were, esp in the 70s, many more interracial marriages. And, much more accepted. Maybe I am still sheltered, but I know I didn’t, and still don’t, think twice about seeing two people of different backgrounds, races, etc married. It was a common thing. Not as common as today, but I am sure much more common than in a lot of places in America at that time.
Second, let’s be honest. Most of romance today is white. WHITE AS WHITE CAN BE. Yes, there is a little Latino or Hispanic, but for the most part, it is white couples getting together. But, ebooks are changing that and putting more diverse options into relationships, much to my liking and many others. But, we still have a long way to go.
And this is where the publishers come in. Recently, NCP started their Indigo line and one thing that struck me was that race didn’t have to be an issue for it to be considered. They wanted the romance, the suspense, whatever, but although these two people may be interracial, they didn’t want race to be an intergal part of the plot. Now, if it is part of the plot for a book, I have no problem with it. But the fact that many publishers now say it has to be, or you don’t get the rating, is just stupid. Sorry, I can’t be nice about it. For readers, it might not mean much, but as a writer, I know a lot of readers who are looking for people of color in their books, are only getting offered up books where race plays a huge factor in the plot. Not saying that those books are wrong, or that they aren’t any good. Just that it doesn’t always have to be about race. And really, when are we going to accept that for a lot of people today, it isn’t about the color of the skin, but the love, the romance, the happily ever after? If publishers want people to take it seriously, take our advances in America seriously. Yes, we have a long way to go, still. This comes from someone who lived in the deep south where they still call the Civil War the War of Northern Aggression. Don’t get me wrong. But why do we constantly have to note the difference of our characters, instead of the similiarities? Yes, we need conflict, by why does it have to be about race, and how can you make race a factor when they are the same race, just not white? And I know that people will say that having multicultural books are in and off itself pointing out the differences. But, seriously, most of romance has been white and this just allows for those of us who would like to read about romances with differenc races, etc to find the category easier.
Readers are our lifeblood, and if they want more books that involve heroes or heroines who are not white, why not make it easy on them to find it? *g* maybe I am not making any sense or blowing it out of proportion. I just don’t get the argument against doing it this way.
Photo was the inspiration for Hunter in Hunting Mila:)
Oak Trees Suck
April 7, 2006 by Melissa · Leave a Comment
Okay, for those of you who love spring, bite me. LOL. I am highly allergic to several trees in the South Texas area. It seems to go on pretty much all year, but with the dry weather we have had, Oak has been bad. Everyone in the family is allergic to this one, and so we are all whiney and miserable together. And, it makes it hard to write. Off drugs, I hurt, and on drugs, I feel fine, I just can’t concentrate.
But I do have the prologue to my new series done, and I am pretty excited about it. Kally thinks it is decent, so maybe this will work:)
Well, I am pushing myself a little further tonight and then vegging out.
Taking stock
April 6, 2006 by Melissa · Leave a Comment
That crossroad spot in my career that I have been talking about is getting to be a bit more of a challenge. In my present state of mind, I really don’t know if I am going to keep pushing or just sit down in the middle of the freaking road and watch the grass grow.
I have talked about my want for NY print publication. It is something I have strived for all along. When I got a rejection this week, the editor said it wasn’t right for their line and please, send me more. So, confused, I emailed the editor and asked what they were looking for. My books have a lot of romance and humor and I have a feeling that keeps them from being accepted by the line. Now, the editor, and I am sure she was trying to be nice, told me what erotica readers are looking for, which she said included romance, while turning down a book that was #12 on the International listing of ebook sales in June of 2005 and sat on fictionwise.com on top of the Erotica list for months. It was the only book released in ebook format only to be on the top 20 and the only small press published book there. Granted, my publisher never really recognized it, but it is something I am proud of nonetheless.
And I am trying not to be a whiney baby about it. Seriously, they don’t want me maybe it is time to just move on.
But the worry is now here that maybe that I don’t know the market and maybe, just maybe I am wasting my time in the business. After almost 20 releases, I apparently don’t know what readers want. Is it worth it to beat my head up against the wall trying to submit to people who will never accept my work? Deal with authors who apparently get some kind of sick joy by saying nasty things to you they think you are too stupid to figure out? Right now, the only reason I keep writing is for my readers who support me. But, if I can’t get any editors in NY to pay attention to my work, I just don’t see it as a viable career. Maybe, just maybe that is a sign to look for culinary schools.
Growing a spine
April 5, 2006 by Melissa · Leave a Comment
Now, many people still don’t like the Dixie Chicks because of their comments about the President. Truth is, as a Texan, I feel the same way they do, and it started back when he owned the Rangers. As a fan, I just can’t respect him for having Nolan Ryan as a pitcher and not making it to the playoffs, lol.
But, one thing you have to respect the Chicks for is having a spine. Hey, you don’t have to agree with everyone, but in this country we have a right to say it. And their new song strikes at the heart of what I am feeling right now. Not Ready To Back Down, has become sort of my theme song these days. In every facet of my life I have always tried to do the right thing for everyone. Now, it will be the thing that is right for me and my family. That is all that matters in the end. They are my life and without them, I have nothing.
Check on the Chicks new song.
Civil liberties rant
April 1, 2006 by Melissa · Leave a Comment
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~ Benjamin Franklin
Well, I am back to work after my movie break. I don’t take many of those, so I am pretty particular about what I watch. I was not disappointed. Besides the fact that George Clooney was it and showed himself to be an excellent director, IMHO, it is about something that is near and dear to my heart, civil liberties.
Now, I will get on my political soapbox right now. I tend to check my politics at the door because of my husband’s job. It isn’t Kosher to speak politics, especially when you disagree with most people at a miltiary function. So, because I can be sarcastic and biting in my comments, I steer away or just smile when people make comments. My husband takes enough of a ribbing about being married to an Erotic Romance author. He doesn’t need to take on my liberal leanings at work. Which I find kind of ironic because he has sworn to protect the US and the constitution*g* but his wife has to be careful about what she says.
The few times I have expressed my political views, I have gotten the cold shoulder. Our names seem to disappear from Christmas Card lists, things like that. Actually, that is a relief, because I have a tendency to forget about doing cards until two weeks before the holiday and it is a rush for find them, fill them out and get them to people, lol. But I digress.
The one thing I can no longer stand for is the movement to restrict speech in this country. Watching Good Night, And Good Luck was downright chilling at times. I grew up with stories of McCarthy and his witchhunt thinking that America had learned her lessons. I was wrong. Now I see anyone who speaks out against the war, against wiretapping, against torture, or against anything that our government is doing, they are labeled as a traitor, threatened and then accused of givine comfort to the enemy. What does that say about us as a country that we are repeating the mistakes of just a few decades ago?
It is not a coincidence that I watched the movie right after watching The Dixie Chicks’ new video, Not Ready to Make Nice. Natalie had every right to say what she thinks, what she feels. The Chicks are US citizens if I remember correctly. Freedom of speech is still allowed the last time I checked. The villifying of them because they didn’t like George Bush was an embarrassment of our democracy. Granted, I agree with the Chicks, but even someone like Toby Keith or Rush Limbaugh has a right to say what they feel, even though I don’t agree with them. No matter how much I disagree with them, I agree that they should have a right to say it. THAT is what freedom of speech is about. It is not about saying what others think is right, but what you want. It is about not being afraid to email things to friends, talk to them on the phone, without worrying that someone might be listening in. That you might be considered an ENEMY COMBANTANT. As I write with humor, many people might just be surprised by the seriousness of this post, and probably no one will read it. It doesn’t really matter in the long run. But the fear I feel for our country while are civil liberties are being slowly stripped away in the name of “national security” is almost suffocating me. It is the EXACT same argument McCarthy used. If that doesn’t send chills down your spine, I don’t know what will.
I’m not saying war protestors or people calling for impeachment are correct. Okay, I lean their way, but I will say that even if I didn’t, I would want them to have the right to say it. It isn’t about making leaders of country feel safer because they speak to handpicked audiences and live in bubbles. It is about our freedoms. Men and women have lost their lives to give us that right. Today, it might be another Quaker group protesting the war, tomorrow, it could be your right to read certain types of books. There is no stopping the ball once it gets rolling.
I don’t think anyone can question my background. I had two grandfathers, first generation Americans, enlist in WW II, two uncles and my father served in Vietnam(my father served 23 years), and now I have a husband who serves. I am patriotic, there is no doubt. I love my country and our founding principles. What I can’t stand for, and will not abide, is our country turning into a police state because of fear.
Tolerance, it isn’t a nasty politically correct word. It is a word used by every decent religious leader ever written about(notice the adjective I use. I don’t include televangelists in that grouping). Whether you like it or not, people are questioning what is happening to this country, and let’s hope for the sake of our liberties, that they don’t end up in prison for expressing those views.
Now that I have probably offended so many people, I will leave you with these quotes:
The will of the people is the only legitmate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.
and
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.
Both said by Thomas Jefferson. He knew a bit about tyranny. So, if you find yourself jumping that bandwagon trying to ban speech, think of why you are so afraid. I have no problem with people who disagree with me, expressing their views. I think that is the only way we should operate as a democracy. Because, of course, if we don’t, we are no longer a democracy. I think one of the things that sticks in my mind was my speech professor in college speaking of a picture he saw once. There were Klansmen marching down the street and on the sidelines there was an African American police officer protecting them from others, giving them the right to their freedom of speech. You don’t have to agree with the speech, just the right for every US citizen to express their opinions.
Okay, off the soapbox and getting back to work.
